Cable suspension clamp

ABSTRACT

A cable clamp includes a base and a keeper. The base has a first end, a second end, and a center channel. The keeper is coupled to the base and has a semi-obround clamping arm including an arcuate first leg, an arcuate second leg, and a central portion extending between said first leg and said second leg.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a cable clamping mechanism.The cable clamping mechanism may be used, for example, with fiber opticcables such as ribbon fiber optic cables.

BACKGROUND

Modern telecommunication utilizes a number materials and mediums totransmit information. Recently, cables, such as fiber optic cables havebecome more popular in the communication industry and have begun toreplace electrical wires. Fiber optic cables include transparent opticalfibers made of glass or plastic and are capable of transmitting voice,video, and data. Compared to electrical wires, fiber optic cables permitsignals to travel longer distances with less loss and lesselectromagnetic interference.

Fiber optic cables may be used in various applications, includingresidential and commercial use. In order to travel long distances, fiberoptic cables may be suspended aerially along existing utility poles.Traditional clamps for hanging metal wires from utility poles, however,are not suitable for use with fiber optic cables.

Fiber optic cables can be flexible, but excessive bending may causedamage and data loss. Fiber optic cables also come in a variety ofsheathings and designs resulting in different bend characteristics andload strengths. These are considerations not typically given to metalwires, due to the different strength and flexibility characteristics.Because of these differences, traditional wire cable clamps usually donot meet the needs for reliable suspension of fiber optic cables, havetoo many parts, and are difficult to use and install. Typical clamps arealso over-engineered for fiber optic applications in terms of clampingforce and body strength due to the lower weight and tension requirementsfor fiber optic cables compared to wire electrical conductors.

SUMMARY

In accordance with an embodiment, a cable clamp includes a base and akeeper. The base has a first end, a second end, and a center channel.The keeper is coupled to the base and has a semi-obround clamping armincluding an arcuate first leg, an arcuate second leg, and a centralportion extending between said first leg and said second leg.

In accordance with another embodiment, a cable clamp includes a base anda keeper. The base has a center channel, a first recess, and a secondrecess. The keeper is adapted to be coupled to the base and has a firstleg and a second leg. The first leg is received in the first recess andthe second leg is received in the second recess.

In accordance with another embodiment, a cable clamp includes a base anda keeper. The base has a first end, a second end, a center channel, anda suspension arm. A first recess is positioned in the suspension arm anda second recess positioned opposite the first recess. The keeper iscoupled to the base and has a semi-obround clamping arm including anarcuate first leg, an arcuate second leg, and a central portionextending between the first leg and the second leg. The first recessreceives the first leg and the second recess receives the second leg.

An exemplary object of the invention is to provide a clamp suitable foruse with a variety of cables, such as fiber optic cables havingdifferent bend characteristics.

Another exemplary object of the invention is to provide a clamp suitablefor securely retaining a cable while minimizing potential damage to thecable and data transmission loss.

Another exemplary object of the invention is to provide a suitable clampwhich reduces the amount of materials used to increase manufacturingefficiency and reduce costs.

Another exemplary object of the invention is to provide a suitable clampwhich reduces the number of parts to minimize failure during use.

Other objects and embodiments, including apparatus, systems, methods,and the like which constitute part of the invention, will become moreapparent upon reading the following detailed description of theexemplary embodiments and viewing the drawings. It is to be understoodthat both the foregoing general description and the following detaileddescription are exemplary and explanatory only and therefore notrestrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are incorporated in and constitute a part ofthe specification. The drawings, together with the general descriptiongiven above and the detailed description of the exemplary embodimentsand methods given below, serve to explain the principles of theinvention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary cable clamp and ribboncable.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the cable clamp of FIG. 1 without theribbon cable.

FIG. 3 is a perspective, exploded view of the cable clamp of FIG. 2including an optional bolt-hook.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the cable clamp of FIG. 2 with a keeperoutwardly rotated.

FIG. 5 is a left side elevational view of the cable clamp of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a left side elevational view of the cable clamp of FIG. 2.

FIG. 7 is a left side elevational view of the cable clamp of FIG. 1 withthe keeper outwardly rotated and the cable inserted.

FIG. 8 is a front elevational view of the cable clamp of FIG. 2.

FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the cable clamp of FIG. 2.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the cable clamp of FIG. 2 without thekeeper attached.

FIG. 11 is a left side elevational view of the cable clamp of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a front elevational view of the cable clamp of FIG. 10.

FIG. 13 is a top plan view of the cable clamp of FIG. 10.

FIG. 14 is a rear elevational view of the cable clamp of FIG. 10.

FIG. 15 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of a central regionof the cable clamp of FIG. 10.

FIG. 16 is a right side elevational view in section taken along line16-16 of the cable clamp of FIG. 10.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view in section taken along line 16-16 of thecable clamp of FIG. 10.

FIG. 18 is a front elevational view in longitudinal section taken alongline 18-18 of the cable clamp of FIG. 10.

FIG. 19 is a left side elevational view of the keeper shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 20 is a top plan view of the keeper of FIG. 19.

FIG. 21 is a right side elevational view of the keeper of FIG. 20 with abolt received in the keeper with protrusions peened to retain the bolt.

FIG. 22 is a top plan view of the keeper, protrusions, and bolt of FIG.21.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing the keeper, bolt and a ribboncable of FIG. 1.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the cableclamp with a modified eyelet.

FIG. 25 is an enlarged, perspective view of an additional alternativeembodiment of an eyelet on the clamp.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT(S) AND EXEMPLARY METHOD(S)

Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments andmethods of the invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, inwhich like reference characters designate like or corresponding partsthroughout the drawings. It should be noted, however, that the inventionin its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details,representative devices and methods, and illustrative examples shown anddescribed in connection with the exemplary embodiments and methods.

In various exemplary embodiments, a cable suspension clamp 1 includes abase 10, a suspension arm 12 extending from the base 10, an eyelet 14coupled to the suspension arm 12, and a keeper 16 detachably coupled tothe base 10. The keeper 16 may be rotatably coupled to the base 10, forexample via a mechanical fastener, such as a bolt 18, as shown in FIG.4. The base 10, suspension arm 12, and eyelet 14 may be formed as aunitary structure and may be a metallic, composite, or other suitablematerial.

The base 10 may be suspended from a structure, such as a utility pole,by coupling one end of a mechanical fastener, such as a hook or abolt-hook 11 with the eyelet 14 and inserting or connecting the otherend of the mechanical fastener into the structure. As best shown inFIGS. 4 and 5, the keeper 16 may be rotated outwardly to facilitate easyinstallation of a cable 20. After the cable 20 is placed in the base 10,the keeper 16 may be rotated inwardly and secured in position over thecable 20 as shown in FIG. 1.

The base 10 includes a first end 22, a second end 24 and a centralregion 26. The first end 22, second end 24, and central region 26combine to have an open-top, elongated and semi-obround structure with acentral channel or cavity 28 with substantially semi-circularcross-sections in different locations along its length as seen in thedrawings. The base 10 also includes a first sidewall 30 and a secondsidewall 32 extending from the central channel 28. The first sidewall 30terminates in a first top edge 34 and the second sidewall 32 terminatesin a second top edge 36. In various alternative embodiments, the base 10may include various shapes, angles, and structures. In various exemplaryembodiments, different bases other than the one depicted in the drawingsmay be utilized with other features of the invention described herein,for example the suspension arm 12, eyelet 14 and keeper 16.

The first and second ends 22, 24 may be outwardly flared compared to thecentral region 26, meaning that the first and second sidewalls 30, 32are outwardly curved and angled in the first and second ends 22, 24 andthe central channel 28 slops downwardly and outwardly. Specifically, asbest shown in FIG. 13, the first and second sidewalls 30, 32, and thusthe first and second top edges 34, 36 in the central region 26 aresubstantially planar, but begin to angle away from the central region 26so that the first and second sidewalls 30, 32 diverge in the first andsecond ends 22, 24. As best shown in FIG. 14, the central channel 28 hasa substantially planar bottom surface 38 in the central region 26. Atthe first and second ends 22, 24 the central channel begins to curvedownwardly from the central region 26. The first and second ends 22, 24therefore expand outwardly as the base 10 transitions from the centralregion 26 to the terminus of the first and second ends 22, 24. Thisgives the first and second ends 22, 24 an outwardly flared structure.

The amount of divergence of the first and second sidewalls 30, 32 may belinear or it may increase from the central region 26 to the terminus ofthe first and second ends 22, 24. Similarly, the radius of curvature ofthe central channel 28 may be constant, as measured from a selectedpoint, or it may vary from the central region 26 to the terminus of thefirst and second ends 22, 24. The first and second ends 22, 24 maytherefore contain different radii as may be beneficial for use withcertain cables, for example, fiber optic cables made by CORNING®, suchas the RPX® line of ribbon cables. Similar cables are disclosed in U.S.Pat. No. 6,618,526 and PCT Publication WO 2013/025915, the disclosuresof which are hereby incorporated by reference to show various types offiber optic cables and their structure and are not meant to limit theinterpretation of the present embodiments.

The suspension arm 12 extends from the base 10, for example, from thesecond sidewall 32. The suspension arm 12 includes a first wall 40 and asecond wall 42. The first wall 40 may extend substantially verticallywith respect to the second sidewall 32. The second wall 42 may be angledrelative to the first wall so that the suspension arm 12 extends outover the central channel 28. As best shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, thesecond top edge 36 may angle upwardly in the region of the suspensionarm 12, giving the suspension arm 12 a generally triangular ortrapezoidal shape. In various exemplary embodiments, the suspension armmay extend along the length of the central region 26.

The base 10 may include a first recess 44 for receiving the keeper 16.As best shown in FIG. 15, the first cavity 44 may extend into thesuspension arm 12. The first cavity 44 has a bottom surface 46, a firstside surface 48, a second side surface, 50, a top surface 52, and a backsurface 54. As best shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the top surface 52 may beangled in correlation with the angled second wall 42 of the suspensionarm.

The suspension arm 12 may also include a reinforcement 56 as best shownin FIGS. 13 and 14. The reinforcement 56 extends outwardly from thesuspension arm 12. The reinforcement 56 may be formed due to thecreation of the first recess 44 so that a uniform thickness is achievedin the entire suspension arm 12. The reinforcement 56 may also provideadditional material to increase the strength of the base 10 in areaswhere loading and stress can be higher. The suspension arm 12 having auniform thickness and increased material need not be mutually exclusive,so that different combinations may be used at different points toincrease strength or reduce material as needed.

The reinforcement 56 may have an obelisk shape with a substantiallysquare bottom 58 and a triangular top 60. The intersections and cornersof the bottom 58 and the top 60 may be rounded, chamfered or otherwiseblended into each other, and the sides and edges of the reinforcement 56may similarly be rounded, chamfered, or otherwise blended into the restof the suspension arm 12. Any size, shape, and/or design ofreinforcement 56 may be used as needed or required for a particularapplication.

The eyelet 14 is connected to or extends from the top 60 of thesuspension arm 12. As best shown in FIGS. 8, 12, and 14, the eyelet hasa narrow base portion 62 and a wider top portion 64 with an opening 66.The eyelet 14 may include rounded outer edges with a width thattransitions from the wider top portion 64 to the narrow base portion 62to give the eyelet 14 a spatulate shape. The bottom portion 62, topportion 64, and opening 66 may have any number of shapes and/or sizes tofacilitate connections to various mechanical fasteners, suspensiondevices, or structures.

In various exemplary embodiments, the narrow base portion 62 allows foreasier attachment through the opening 66 to a mechanical fastener, suchas bolt-hook 11. When connected to a bolt-hook 11, or other mechanicalfasteners, the base 10 may pivot and/or move on the hook portion toreduce stress and loading on the cable 20. The wider top portion 64,however, helps prevent the eyelet 14 from leaving the hook and travelingalong the base of the bolt-hook 11. It is advantageous to prevent theeyelet 14 from leaving the hook portion, as it may cause damage to thebase 10 and the cable 20, as well as create data loss for informationtransmitted along the cable 20.

A tab 68 extends from the first sidewall 30 as best shown in FIGS. 13and 15. The tab 68 has a rounded outer edge 70 which is connected to arectangular foot 72. A slot 74 is formed in the tab 68 for receiving amechanical fastener, such as the bolt 18, releasably for connecting thekeeper 16 to the base 10. The slot 74 may be sized to receive a varietyof bolt 18 sizes and to allow for adjustment and movement of the bolt 18in the slot 74.

The foot 72 is adjacent a second recess 76. The second recess 76 has abottom surface 78, a first side surface 80, a second side surface 82,and a back surface 84. The second recess 76 back surface 84 faces thefirst recess 44 back surface 54. As best shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, thesecond recess 76 bottom surface 78 is raised form the central channel 28and substantially planar with the first recess 44 bottom surface 46.

As best shown in FIGS. 5-7 and 13, the base 10 may include a firstgroove 86 and a second groove 88. The first and second grooves 86, 88may assist in seating and retaining the cable 20. The first and secondgrooves 86, 88 may run longitudinally along the length of the centralregion and into the first and second ends 22, 24, though their lengthsmay vary. The first and second grooves 86, 88 may have tapered points 90a, 90 b at each end and widen towards the center of each groove 86, 88.In certain embodiments, the first groove 86 and the second groove 88 maywiden to the point where they begin to blend together at theirrespective centers. Various shapes and sizes of grooves 86, 88 may beused apart from those depicted.

In various exemplary embodiments, the base 10, suspension arm 12, eyelet14, and tab 68 may be separate components which are coupled to oneanother, they may be integrally formed as one unitary structure, or theymay be any combination thereof.

The keeper 16 includes a clamping arm 92 and an attachment arm 94. Theclamping arm 92 extends along a portion of the base 10 and thus along aportion of the cable 20. As best shown in FIG. 19, the clamping arm 92has a substantially obround cross-section having a first leg 96, asecond leg 98, and a central portion 100. The first and second legs 96,98 are substantially arcuate.

As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first leg 96 is received in thefirst recess 44 and the second leg 98 is received in the second recess76. The first and second legs 96, 98 rest on the respective bottomsurfaces 46, 78 of the first and second recesses 44, 76. This elevatesthe keeper 16 from the central channel 28 and prevents the keeper 16from over-compressing the cable 20 and causing damage.

The attachment arm 94 extends substantially orthogonal to the clampingarm 92. The attachment arm 94 may have a nose 102 which is rounded toblend into the curvature of the first leg 96 of the clamping arm 92. Afirst side 104 and a second side 106 of the attachment arm 94 extendalong and outwardly from the top of the clamping arm 92. The first andsecond sides 104, 106 may have curved top and bottom edges to provide asmooth transition which increases aerodynamics and reduces wind-loadingon the base 10 and the cable 20. The attachment arm 94 has an opening108 for receiving a mechanical fastener, such as the bolt 18. In anexemplary embodiment, the opening 108 is square, though various shapesand sizes may be used. A first protrusion 110 and a second protrusion112 are located proximate opposite sides of the opening 108. The firstand second protrusions 110, 112 extend so that they may be selectivelypeened or bent over the top of the bolt 18 after it has been positionedin the opening 108 and connected to the base 10 as best shown in FIGS.21 and 22 to substantially rigidly couple the bolt 18 to the keeper 16.

Operation

In operation, the keeper 16 may be coupled to the base 10 by placing thebolt 18, such as a threaded carriage bolt, through the opening 108 andinto the slot 74. A washer 114 and a spring or split-lock washer 116 maythen be placed onto the bottom of the bolt 18 and a nut 118 threadablyattached thereto. Utilizing the washer and the spring or split-lockwasher 116 assists in keeping the nut from loosening and retains thekeeper 16 in a maximum allowable compression position.

The keeper 16 should initially be loosely attached to the base 10 sothat it can rotate relative to the base 10 about the bolt 18 and move inthe slot 74 as shown in FIG. 4. Mounting hardware such as a bolt-hook 11may be placed in a structure, such as a utility pole (not shown). Theeyelet 14 may be extended through the end of the bolt-hook 11 to suspendthe base 10 from the structure. A cable 20 may then be placed into thebase 10 so that the cable 20 rests in the central channel 28. It shouldbe noted that the initial placement of the hook 11, the base 10, and thecable 20 need not be performed in any particular order. The keeper 16may then be rotated and placed so that the first leg 96 is received inthe first recess 44 and the second leg 98 is received in the secondrecess 76. In this way, the clamping arm 92 of the keeper 16 ispositioned to retain a cable 20 in the base 10 without damaging thecable. The nut 118 may then be tightened on the bolt and the first andsecond protrusions 110, 112 may be peened over the head of the bolt 18so that the keeper 16 is held in place and the bolt 18 is prevented fromloosening. The base 10 may also be connected to various other mountinghardware such as a straight bolt or shackle.

In various exemplary embodiments, the keeper 16 is attached to the base10 prior to placement in the field, for example in a factory. The bolt18 is placed through the opening 108 and into the slot 74. A washer 114and a spring or split-lock washer 116 may then be placed onto the bottomof the bolt 18 and a nut 118 threadably attached thereto. The bottomthreads of the bolt 18 may then be peened so that the nut 118 cannot beremoved from the bolt 18, preventing the keeper 16 from being separatedfrom the base. The first and second protrusion 110, 112 may also bepeened prior to installation, for example at the factory. In this way,the keeper 16 may be permanently attached to the base 10 but still becapable of rotation relative to the base 10 allowing installation of thecable 20.

Various exemplary embodiments may also utilize an insert (not shown) toassist in maintaining and protecting the cable 20 in the base 10. Theinsert may be made from a material, such as an elastomeric material,that provides cushioning and dampening to the cable 20 during movementof the cable 20 or the base 10. The insert may have an outer diameter orshape which corresponds to or compliments the central channel 28, firstand second grooves 86, 88, and/or the first and second ends 22, 24. Thebase 10 may also include additional stops, walls, recesses, or otherstructure to retain the insert in a specific position. The insert mayalso be retained by the keeper 16.

Embodiment of FIG. 24

FIG. 24 shows an alternative exemplary embodiment having substantiallythe same structure as previous embodiments except that the eyelet 214has a base portion 262 and a rounded top 264. The base portion 262 iswider than the rounded top 264. This type of eyelet 214 may be used withany of the exemplary embodiments described herein, and in associationwith various mechanical fasteners for connecting the eyelet 214 to astructure.

Embodiment of FIG. 25

FIG. 25 shows an alternative exemplary embodiment having an eyelet 314having a narrow base portion 362 and a wide top portion 364 similar toeyelet 14 shown in FIGS. 1-23. The eyelet 314 is pivotally coupled to asuspension arm 312 by a rotating joint 366. A pin 368 may be insertedthrough one or more openings to maintain the eyelet 314 in a specificposition. This type of eyelet 314 may be used with any of the exemplaryembodiments described herein, and in association with various mechanicalfasteners for connecting the eyelet 314 to a structure.

The foregoing detailed description of the certain exemplary embodimentshas been provided for the purpose of explaining the principles of theinvention and its practical application, thereby enabling others skilledin the art to understand the invention for various embodiments and withvarious modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.This description is not necessarily intended to be exhaustive or tolimit the invention to the precise embodiments disclosed. Any of theembodiments and/or elements disclosed herein may be combined with oneanother to form various additional embodiments not specificallydisclosed. Accordingly, additional embodiments are possible and areintended to be encompassed within this specification and the scope ofthe appended claims. The specification describes specific examples toaccomplish a more general goal that may be accomplished in another way.

Only those claims which use the words “means for” are to be interpretedunder 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph.

What is claimed:
 1. A cable clamp comprising: a base having a first end, a second end, and a center channel; and a keeper coupled to said base, said keeper having a semi-obround clamping arm including an arcuate first leg, an arcuate second leg, and a central portion extending between said first leg and said second leg.
 2. The cable clamp of claim 1, wherein said keeper is coupled to said base via a mechanical fastener.
 3. The cable clamp of claim 1, wherein said keeper further comprises an attachment arm extending substantially orthogonal to said clamping arm.
 4. The cable clamp of claim 3, wherein said attachment arm comprises an opening for receiving a mechanical fastener, a first protrusion proximate said opening, and a second protrusion proximate said opening, wherein said first and second protrusions are peened to retain a mechanical fastener in said opening.
 5. The cable clamp of claim 4, further comprising a tab extending from said base having a slot alignable with said opening in said keeper attachment arm.
 6. The cable clamp of claim 1, wherein said base comprises a first recess for receiving said first leg of the keeper and a second recess for receiving said second leg of the keeper.
 7. The cable clamp of claim 6, further comprising a suspension arm extending from said base and wherein said first recess is located in said suspension arm.
 8. A cable clamp comprising: a base having a center channel, a first recess, and a second recess; a keeper adapted to be coupled to said base having a first leg and a second leg, said first leg received in said first recess and said second leg received in said second recess.
 9. The cable clamp of claim 8, wherein said keeper has a semi-obround cross-section.
 10. The cable clamp of claim 8, wherein said base comprises a suspension arm and said first recess is positioned in said suspension arm.
 11. The cable clamp of claim 8, wherein said first and second recesses are elevated from said center channel.
 12. The cable clamp of claim 8, wherein said keeper is spaced from said center channel when coupled to said base to define an opening to secure a ribbon cable.
 13. The cable clamp of claim 8, wherein said keeper is coupled to said base via a mechanical fastener.
 14. The cable clamp of claim 8, wherein said keeper further comprises a central portion extending between said first leg and said second leg and an attachment arm extending substantially orthogonal to said central portion.
 15. The cable clamp of claim 14, wherein said attachment arm comprises an opening for receiving a mechanical fastener, a first protrusion proximate said opening, and a second protrusion proximate said opening, wherein said first and second protrusions are peened to retain a mechanical fastener in said opening.
 16. The cable clamp of claim 8, further comprising a tab extending from said base having a slot alignable with said opening in said keeper attachment arm.
 17. A cable clamp comprising: a base having a first end, a second end, a center channel, a suspension arm, a first recess positioned in said suspension arm, and a second recess positioned opposite said first recess; a keeper coupled to said base, said keeper having a semi-obround clamping arm including an arcuate first leg, an arcuate second leg, and a central portion extending between said first leg and said second leg, wherein said first recess receives said first leg and said second recess receives said second leg.
 18. The cable clamp of claim 17, wherein said suspension arm comprises a first wall and a second wall angled relative to the first wall.
 19. The cable clamp of claim 17, wherein said keeper further comprises an attachment arm extending substantially orthogonal to said central portion having an opening for receiving a mechanical fastener.
 20. The cable clamp of claim 19, further comprising a tab extending from said base having a slot alignable with said opening in said keeper attachment arm. 